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Hybrid Electric Vehicle/Electric Vehicle Battery Market: A Trend Analysis

Global warming is posing a major challenge to the world's environment. One of the methods to handle this challenge includes limiting emissions from on and off-road vehicles. The widespread use of electric vehicles could be an effective way to limit emissions. Efficiency and performance of electric vehicles (EVs), however, are still in the development and evaluation stage and cannot compare with conventional gas- powered vehicles. As a result, the automotive industry has focused on advancing hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) that operate on a combination of gas and electric power, powered through the battery. Since HEVs offer performance levels similar to gas-powered vehicles, the technology has gained market appeal amongst the passenger car segment. As the battery is a key component of HEVs and EVs, the current economic slowdown scenario coupled with enforcement of environmental mandates could significantly impact the market.

Read the complete article in the January/February issue of Battery Power Products & Technology, available online now - Click Here!!

Advanced Li-ion Battery Maker Applies for $480 Million in Federal Loan Funds to Accelerate Output for Next-Generation Auto Industry

Advanced lithium-ion battery manufacturer Ener1, Inc. has applied for $480 million in low-interest loans under a new federal program to spur development of the next generation of US fuel-efficient vehicles.

"We are very pleased to be able to participate in an initiative that will help strengthen US energy security, radically reduce greenhouse gases and sharpen the competitive edge of American producers of fuel-efficient vehicles," said Ener1 Chairman and CEO Charles Gassenheimer. "A special federal lending program to incentivize next-generation auto and components manufacturers is exactly what is needed at this juncture to help regain market share for the US in this crucial industry."

EnerDel, Ener1's lithium-ion battery subsidiary, applied for the funds under the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Incentive Program (ATVMIP), which is administered by the US Department of Energy (DOE). The $25 billion program is designed to enable US auto companies and their suppliers to build or retool manufacturing facilities in order to improve the overall corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) of the American automotive industry.

"Advanced lithium-ion battery technology is a basic need for every automaker in the world today, and that need will grow steadily," said Gassenheimer. "Building a strong US supply chain in this rapidly emerging industry is a top priority to maintain competitiveness vis-a-vis foreign manufacturers that have already invested very heavily in this linchpin technology."

If granted, the funds will enable EnerDel to double manufacturing capacity to produce 600,000 hybrid electric vehicle packs per year at its existing plant by 2011, and to build a second larger plant capable of producing battery packs for up to 1.2 million hybrid electric vehicles by 2015. It is anticipated that the projects would create more than 1,300 new jobs.

Using DOE data, Ener1 estimates batteries produced at these facilities each year could save the US economy as much as $600 million at the gasoline pump and eliminate up to one billion tons of carbon emissions annually.

"A critical new industry is taking shape before our eyes," said Gassenheimer. "Europe and Asia have committed vast resources to build production capacity, while the US is starting to fall behind. We have the technology, but we lack domestic production capacity. Failure to develop the lithium-ion automotive battery industry would be tantamount to exchanging dependence on foreign oil for dependence on foreign-made batteries."

Saft Launches Production of New Battery Range Specifically Designed for Telecom Networks

Saft has completed its investment in its new Tel.X nickel-based product range designed specifically for telecom network applications. The investment program supports a new $9 million production line at its US manufacturing facility in Valdosta, Ga.

The Tel.X battery range is designed to deliver reliable backup power for the growing number of decentralized facilities, supporting fixed, wireless, cable and cellular networks, which are in remote or demanding outdoor locations.

The new manufacturing line will enable Saft to expand its customer base in a market where performance, reliability and low TCO (total cost of ownership) are crucial. Its focus is on providing a high quality, maintenance-free battery solution for applications subjected to extreme temperature as well as high levels of humidity. With an extended range of capacities, smaller batteries and long service life, the Tel.X batteries are well suited for the majority of telecom network applications.

Saft's Tel.X battery offers important advantages for demanding outdoor telecom applications in remote areas. It is maintenance-free and compact, light and easy to install, around 15 minutes for a 48 V battery.
Tel.X has a long service life, more than 20 years in normal temperatures and more than 14 years at +40°C.  The battery also offers high volumic energy density, of up to 100 Wh/L while weighing around 30 percent less than a conventional battery. It is designed for use in standard 19 inch and 23 inch racks and cabinets, where its compact size makes it easy to fit and install as a direct replacement for VRLA batteries and it is compatible with all telecom rectifiers.

Evonik and Daimler Establish Strategic Alliance for the Development and Production of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Evonik Industries AG and Daimler AG  are developing the energy storage of the future. Based on lithium-ion technology from Evonik and with Daimler expertise, both groups will drive forward the research, development and production of battery cells and battery systems in Germany. In the near future, Li-Tec cells will appear in electric vehicles of Mercedes-Benz cars.

The lithium-ion batteries produced by the joint venture will be used in both the passenger car and commercial vehicle sectors. The capacity available at Li-Tec and the joint venture will initially concentrate on the needs of Daimler AG. Beyond that, the sale of cells and battery systems to third parties is planned.

LG Chem and STMicroelectronics Drive to Improve Battery Technologies for Hybrid Electric Vehicles

STMicroelectronics and LG Chem , have unveiled details of a new automotive battery pack that significantly extends the potential of electric and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), reducing both petrol consumption and CO2 emissions. The new battery pack combines LG Chem's lithium ion (Li-ion) battery technology and with a state-of-the-art battery management chip manufactured by ST.

Hybrid electric vehicles, which combine a conventional petrol-fueled internal combustion engine with an electric-motor powered by a rechargeable battery, are becoming an increasingly important part of the automotive market because they can deliver greater fuel efficiency and reduce atmospheric pollution. Typically, today's HEVs use batteries based on Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) technology, which use simpler control circuits but are heavier and operate at lower voltages.

Li-ion batteries are widely used in portable consumer electronic equipment because they offer one of the best energy-to-weight ratios, more than twice that of NiMH batteries, with a very low self-discharge while not in use. However, their use in higher power applications has so far been limited because the charge/discharge cycle of Li-ion batteries must be carefully managed to protect the batteries from abuse condition. For this reason, Li-ion batteries must be combined with sophisticated and highly reliable electronic battery-management circuits in high-power applications.

The new Li-ion battery pack from LG Chem manages the charge/discharge cycle by incorporating an advanced battery-management chip, manufactured by ST, which enables safe and long-term reliability of Li-ion battery technology at affordable cost, even in applications as demanding as automotive powertrain systems.

"Accurate and reliable control of the battery charging and discharging cycles makes Li-ion technology applications the established choice for low-power consumer applications as well as a leading contender for future high-power," said Ph.D. MH Kim, the vice president of the Battery Research Institute of LG Chem. "As the world's number one supplier of power-management devices and one of the top suppliers of silicon chips to the automotive industry, ST was the natural choice to develop the silicon side of the battery pack to complement LG Chem's advanced Li-ion battery technology."

ST's battery-management chip is manufactured with the company's proprietary BCD (Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS) technology, which combines digital logic circuits, precise analog measurement circuits and power-handling transistors in one silicon chip. A Battery Management System with these chips accurately controls the charging and discharging cycles of the battery to ensure safe operation and long battery life. Each chip can handle up to ten Li-ion cells and also includes an interface for communicating with other ST battery-management chips in a system. With this communication capability, as many as 32 battery-management chips can be connected in cascade to manage batteries that deliver up to 1,600 V to the electric motors.

The LG Chem/ST solution reduces the cost and weight and increases the reliability of the Li-ion battery pack, enabling Li-ion technology to address new applications from electric scooters and bicycles to heavy trucks.

Imara Corp. Introduces Advanced Lithium-Ion Battery Technology for High-Power Applications

Imara Corp., a research, design and manufacturing company that has developed next generation lithium-ion battery technology, has officially launched its plan to deliver US-based energy storage solutions. Imara's patented and proprietary battery technology breaks through current barriers of performance and energy capability, enabling new applications in power tools, outdoor power equipment, specialty applications, hybrid vehicles and grid storage.

Formerly known as Lion Cells, Imara employs unique materials science technology to develop high-power, high-energy, extended cycle-life cells and packs that are environmentally-friendly. The initial core technology, exclusively licensed from the Stanford Research Institute (SRI), was developed and funded in conjunction with the US Department of Energy as part of the Partnership for the Next Generation Vehicle (PNGV) initiative. Imara's technology has been demonstrated across multiple lithium-ion chemistries. It is being scaled to high-volume production and will be shipping by the 4th quarter of 2009.

"Imara's advanced lithium-ion batteries will meet the future demands of hybrid electric vehicles for exceptional cycle-life, higher charge and discharge rates and higher energy density," said Imara Corp. CEO Jeff Depew. "Our batteries will also have a positive impact on our environment, enabling a reduction in smog and CO2 emissions emitted by everything from two- and four-stroke lawn and garden engines to today's fuel-wasting SUVs."

"In the next five years, transportation and utility markets will see higher rates of growth for energy storage technologies like lithium-ion and other large format batteries," said Ying Wu, senior analyst at Lux Research.

Imara is currently developing next-generation batteries and packs for power tools, where there is an ongoing need for higher power-to-weight energy storage solutions. Imara's lithium-ion batteries "cut the cord" by providing the best combination of run-time and cycle-life, improving power tools' performance rankings while delivering lower lifetime battery costs for heavy-duty applications such as cutting, grinding and sanding.

Two-Cell Alkaline and USB-Compatible Low Loss PowerPath Controller Has Ultra-Low IQ Plus High Efficiency Buck-Boost & Dual Buck Regulators

Linear Technology Corp. has announced the LTC3101, the latest PMIC in a family of multifunction, compact power management solutions for battery-powered and battery backup applications. The micropower LTC3101 integrates a low loss PowerPath controller, three high efficiency synchronous switching regulators (one buck-boost and two bucks), a current limited 200 mA VMAX output (which tracks the higher voltage input supply), a protected 100 mA Hot Swap output, pushbutton On/Off control, a programmable processor reset generator and an always-on LDO, all in a compact, low-profile 4 mm by 4 mm QFN-24 package.

The LTC3101 features a wide input operating range of 1.8 V to 5.5 V, compatible with two or three AA or AAA form factor battery cells in nickel, lithium or alkaline chemistries, standard 1-cell li-ion/polymer prismatic batteries, plus USB or 5 V wall adapter input power. Additionally, the device’s low loss PowerPath control seamlessly and automatically manages power flow between these multiple input sources. The "always-alive" VMAX and LDO outputs provide power for critical functions or additional external regulators. Internal sequencing and independent enable pins provide flexible power-up options.
The LTC3101’s buck-boost regulator can deliver up to 800 mA continuously for input voltages above 3 V and is well suited for efficiently regulating a 3.0 V or 3.3 V output over the full 1.8 V to 5.5 V input voltage range. The LTC3101’s two buck regulators feature 100 percent duty cycle operation and are capable of delivering output currents of 350 mA each, with adjustable output voltages down to 0.6 V. The LTC3101’s internal low RDS(ON) switches enable buck-boost efficiencies up to 95 percent and buck regulator efficiencies up to 93 percent, maximizing battery run time. In addition, Burst Mode operation optimizes efficiency at light loads with a total IC quiescent current of only 38 uA with all regulators enabled and only 15 uA in standby with the LDO and VMAX outputs active. The high 1.27 MHz switching frequency allows the use of tiny low cost capacitors and inductors less than 1mm in height. Furthermore, all regulators are stable with ceramic output capacitors, achieving very low output voltage ripple.

Electrochem Introduces New Line of Custom Battery Charging Solutions

Electrochem, a provider in battery and wireless sensing technologies for critical industrial markets, has introduced its new line of custom charging solutions to accompany its offering of rechargeable battery packs. Electrochem’s charging capabilities ranges from simple single bay chargers to complex multi-bay chargers incorporating smart electronics and battery management. Their expansion into offering charging systems complements their secondary battery portfolio of lithium, nickel and lead acid chemistries.

“As an expert in battery technology, it is a natural evolution to offer accompanying charging systems to our battery pack customers as their complete technology partner,” said Susan Bratton, senior vice president. “Our customers can now come to Electrochem for a total rechargeable battery solution from a singular dedicated partner. We have expanded our product portfolio significantly over the past year with both battery and wireless sensing technologies, reiterating our commitment to investing in long term solutions to support our customers’ applications.”

With extensive experience in battery chemistries, Electrochem approaches each charging solution with a custom design to ensure the optimal performance of the Electrochem battery pack. Electrochem’s engineering team performs a thorough design process that covers a range of considerations, including electrical characteristics, physical attributes, mechanical requirements and user interface needs. Because of the more complex nature of the secondary battery packs that Electrochem provides, their custom charging solutions correspondingly incorporate many “smart” features such as monitoring of the battery's voltage, temperature and/or time under charge to determine the optimum charge current and termination of charging when a combination of the voltage, temperature and/or time indicates that the battery is fully charged.

Battery Power 2009 Call for Presentations
Battery Power 2009, an international conference highlighting the latest developments and technologies in the battery industry, will feature presentations on portable, stationary and automotive battery technology, as well as battery manufacturing, materials and research & development. The conference is designed for OEM design engineers, system engineers, technical and management professionals involved in battery powered products and systems, battery manufacturing, battery technology research and development and power management technology.

The conference committee is currently accepting presentation abstracts. Please click here for details on submitting an abstract or contact Shannon Given, program manager, at shannong@infowebcom.com. Speaking slots will fill up, so it is imperative that you submit an abstract before the deadline.

Abstracts are due by March 14th, 2009.

We are seeking presentations on several topics including:
• Market Trends
Upcoming and Emerging Technologies, Market Opportunities, Venture Funding, Current and Future Battery Cost and Performance
• Batteries
Emerging Battery Technology, Recycling, Battery Pack Design Issues, Battery Hybrid Technology, Thin Film Technology, Battery Safety, Battery Manufacturing  
• Integrated Circuits
Power Management, Power Conversion, Fuel Gauging
• Battery Components and Materials
Emerging Chemistries, Nanomaterials/Nanotechnology in Batteries, Development of High Power Materials

• Charging, Testing & Monitoring
Smart Battery Pack Charging Systems, Avoiding/Predicting Battery Failure, Battery Testing, Capacity Testing, State-of-Charge, Charging Efficiency

Please visit our Call for Presentations Web page for a more detailed list.

THE 26th INTERNATIONAL BATTERY SEMINAR & EXHIBIT
Primary & Secondary Batteries - Other Technologies
March 16 - 19, 2009

AND

THE 13TH BATTERY MATERIALS RECYCLING SEMINAR & EXHIBIT
March 16 - 18, 2009
Broward County Convention Center
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL BATTERY SEMINAR
The Seminar program continues to focus on the present and future needs of the portable energy and large format market place and highlight the latest technological developments designed to satisfy application requirements.
 
The conference, one of the longest running battery industry events, has a large international attendance covering all relevant fields of technology and a broad exhibiting base. The meeting has always been the preferred venue for the introduction of significant new developments, such as the Li/Ion battery. Above all, the Seminar focus is on what are considered real or potentially meaningful developments.

ABOUT THE BATTERY MATERIALS RECYCLING SEMINAR
The management and recycling of primary and secondary battery waste continues to be an issue of importance to the industry and governments worldwide and looms even more important as the trend to larger batteries for EV/HEV grows and the cost of materials continues to increase. The meeting embraces batteries of all sizes and types. Particular areas of focus include: (1) Battery metals supply and demand issues (2) Present and future battery technologies and related recycling issues (3) Worldwide national and state government regulatory concerns and programs (4) Primary battery collection, recycling and disposal (5) Portable rechargeable battery recycling (6) The status of present day collection programs (7) Large format rechargeable battery recycling (8) Environmental and recycling concerns for nano materials based batteries (9) The use of recycled materials in batteries; cost, performance, safety (10) Other topics of interest to the battery waste management/recycling groups.

Presenting this meeting in parallel with the 26th International Battery Seminar & Exhibit affords participants the opportunity to (1) Interact with a large number of battery industry executives, scientists, production and sales and marketing people at the cocktail party and throughout the meeting days (2) Participate in the simultaneous Battery Seminar (3) Exhibit products and processes to a larger group than found at waste/recycling meetings.  There were more than 500 attendees at the combined Seminars in March 2008.

For More Information Visit: www.powersources.net

Aviation Industry Expo
March 10-12, 2009
Las Vegas Convention Center

The ONLY Event Focused on Ground Support, FBO/Aviation Services and Aircraft Maintenance

IWCE
March 16-20, 2009
Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV.

IWCE is the pre-eminent integrated communications systems event for the working world. 

Having the ability to receive the right information has never been more important. If you are responsible for the dependability, reliability and interoperability of your organization’s communication system, then IWCE is your must attend event.  IWCE provides the applications and systems you need in order to communicate anytime, anywhere.

 Make connections with 355+ leading edge exhibitors and collaborate in an educational environment that delivers meaningful information that allows you to do a better job. 

From Land Mobile Radio…to Wireless Mobility…Voice…Video…Data…and everything in-between…Communications Technology is Changing…and so is IWCE.

Register by February 16, 2009 and SAVE!  www.iwceexpo.com

Advanced Capacitors World Summit 2009
March 31 – April 2, 2009
Hilton Torrey Pines in La Jolla, CA

As one of the worlds leading forums for discussing the latest technical advances and market trends in the EC industry, IntetechPira's 7th annual Advanced Capacitors World Summit 2009 set for March 31 – April 2, 2009 at the Hilton Torrey Pines in La Jolla, CA, US will focus on advanced electrochemical capacitors and other complementary advanced energy storage and delivery technologies for electrical and electronic systems used in a wide variety of applications and industries.

Co-Chaired by Richard Smith, former VP of Maxwell Technologies and Andrew Burke of the University of California Davis Institute of Transportation Studies, this year's program is designed to help current and prospective users, integrators and suppliers of advanced power systems understand modern energy storage and delivery challenges for power intensive applications and identify business opportunities and realities with adopting advanced capacitors and capacitor hybrid systems to solve application energy requirements.

Visit www.advancedcapacitorsws.com for the most up-to-date program information.

Battery Council International 121st Convention and Power Mart Trade Fair
May 3-6, 2009
Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada

Battery Council International (BCI) invites all battery industry professional to attend BCI’s 121st Convention and Power Mart Trade Fair, to be held May 3-6, 2009 at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada.  A trusted provider of cutting-edge information and networking opportunities in the battery industry, BCI’s 2009 conference offers topics from product and technical information, environmental and regulatory concerns to management issues and marketing forecasts.  Open to both members and nonmembers, the convention is set against the dramatic backdrop of the Red Rock Canyon. 

Visit www.batterycouncil.org for online registration and for updates on housing, speakers and exhibitors, or contact BCI Headquarters directly at 312-644-6610 or via e-mail at info@batterycouncil.org

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